A patient with chronic pain informs the nurse that he will not take codeine because it makes him constipated. What teaching should be done with this patient?
A) Discuss another form of pain control.
B) Constipation will lessen with regular use of codeine.
C) Use a stool softener with the codeine to prevent constipation.
D) Stool regularity should not replace adequate pain control.
Ans: C
Feedback: Constipation is a common side effect of opioid use. It can become so severe that patients are often forced to choose between pain control and regularity. Mild laxatives and a high-fiber diet often help alleviate constipation caused by opioid use.
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Before administering a cardiotonic drug to a client, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to assess? Select all that apply
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When assessing adolescents for health risks, the nurse must keep in mind the factors related to the prevalence of adolescent injuries. Which of the following accurately describe these factors? Select all answers that apply
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Your 88-year-old patient is hospitalized for a retinal detachment. He is on bed rest, and both eyes are covered with patches. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority at this time?
a. Self-esteem disturbance related to de-creased independence b. High risk for altered thought processes related to visual impairment c. High risk for injury related to altered sen-sory perception d. Impaired social interaction related to vis-ual deficit